Chapter 34

• Victoria felt like she couldn't breathe. Amidst flashy feather coats and sparkling dresses with stones that scratched her skin, she felt like she might faint at any moment. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her trembling hands betrayed her intense nervousness.
• Her heart felt like it was pounding out of her chest, and her stomach was twisted in knots while her mouth went dry. Her eyes were fixed on the cracks in the closet, alert to any movement that might occur, never closing for a second.
• Her convictions that she would be safe were shattered the moment she tasted the bitter taste of the drink Valentim maliciously handed her. All the security, happiness, and fun she had felt before were ripped away from her body abruptly and violently.